Many dog owners feel that training there pets is a critical aspect of owning the dog. However, there are just as many who feel that training the animal is extremely overrated, especially the aspect of training the dog to be on a leash. These owners feel that leash training is a big hassle or takes up too much of their time. In reality, I would have to say this equates to being a lazy owner or one who has erroneously overlooked this responsibility when it comes to owning a dog.

Training your puppy to be on a leash has huge benefits, the biggest one being control of them when they are full grown adults and a larger breed of 50 pounds or more. Trying to put a large dog on a leash for the first time without any training is about as easy as trying to break a stubborn mustang. You will get dragged all along the way and have no control over the dog.

Probably the first aspect you want to be aware of is that training a dog, whether on a leash or not, does not have a set of hard and fast rules or ideas that need to be totally adhered to completely. Most owners will find that they can intermingle some of their own concepts and ideas with very positive results. Just remember that any obedience training needs to be a positive experience for the animal if you want it to be positive for you as well. The following is a list of the more common questions asked where leash training is concerned.

1) Is there a specified length that the leash needs to be extended when you are walking your dog? Typically puppies and adults alike shouldn’t need more than 5 or 6 feet of the leash for a comfortable walk. This provides a dual benefit in that the dog has enough room to roam along as the two of you walk, and you maintain control of the animal at the same time.

2) Is one material better than another when it comes to the composition of the leash? Most leashes manufactured today will be constructed from nylon or one of its synthetic derivatives. Nylon is very durable, easy to wash and care for, and comes in a multitude of colors. The downside is that if you do not have a firm grip on a nylon leash and your dog bolts, it could cause a burning of the hand.

I always recommend leather leashes over and above any of the nylon ones because of the durability factor alone. You can’t kill a leather leash even if you try. However, it is by far the most durable material available and will not burn your hands the way a nylon leash has the tendency to do.

3) Are chain leashes a good idea? I have mixed feelings about the use of chain leashes. On the one hand, these are more durable than leather. On the other hand, chain leashes require the firmest of grips because you can injury your hands using these, especially if you to not have a firm grip and the dog attempts to get away.

4) Is there a recommended width that the leash should be? Most trainers will tell you that a leash that is ½’ to ¾’ wide is ideal. For me, I prefer a ¾’ leather leash. Remember also that you need a width that equates comfortably to the size of your hand.

Written by Jeff Nenadic from My-DogShop.com – visit for dog food storage containers in every size.

Tagged with: About • Common • Leash • questions • Training

Filed under: Dog Leash Training

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